Smartphone Free Childhood Movement Arrives in Nigeria
We are proud to announce the launch of the Nigerian chapter of the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) movement. An initiative that began in the UK. Spearheaded in Nigeria by renowned digital parenting coach, founder of LagosMums, and Author Yetty Williams; this movement seeks to inspire and support parents in delaying children’s access to smartphones, fostering healthier and happier childhoods.
The Origins of Smartphone Free Childhood
In early 2024, UK-based friends Daisy and Clare made a personal decision to hold off on buying smartphones for their children. To support one another, they created a small WhatsApp group. However, what started as a private circle quickly became a nationwide movement.
Within weeks, thousands of parents had joined the conversation. Leading to the creation of hundreds of SFC WhatsApp groups across the UK. Smartphone Free Childhood has spread globally and is committed to supporting parents in navigating this new frontier of modern parenting.
Why Delay Smartphones?
The rapid adoption of smartphones by children has revealed significant risks, which include:
- Addiction Concerns. Apps are designed to be addictive, with some studies showing one in four young adults displaying signs of behavioral addiction to smartphones.
- Cyber Safety. Smartphones can expose children to predators, sextortion, and harmful content.
- Mental Health. Data shows that the younger children receive smartphones, the more they are prone to anxiety, depression, and reduced well-being as adults.
- Lost Childhood. Excessive screen time deprives children of real-world play and essential developmental activities.
For more detailed information, visit SFC’s problem page.
Yetty Williams Brings the Movement to Nigeria
Yetty Williams, founder of LagosMums and author of Digital Savvy Parenting: What the World Urgently Needs, is leading the charge to bring SFC to Nigeria. As a prominent digital parenting coach, she understands the critical need for alignment and communal support to help parents delay their children’s smartphone access.
“Smartphones are shaping childhood in unprecedented ways,” Yetty explains. “While saying ‘no’ is a start, it takes collective action across multiple stakeholders for real change to happen. This movement is important—it provides parents and the community with the resources they need to make informed decisions.”
Join the Movement
We invite parents across Nigeria to unite under this shared vision and delay smartphones for their children. Join the national WhatsApp group here: Join the Nigerian SFC Movement.
We invite parents across Nigeria to unite under this shared vision and delay smartphones for their children. Join the national WhatsApp group. Share on XIt takes an e-village to raise a child and family today, and as such, it is a collective effort to create a healthier, more connected future for our children. – Yetty Williams